us-teen-murders-parents-in-plot-to-assassinate-donald-trump

A teenager from Wisconsin, United States, accused of murdering his parents and planning to assassinate US President Donald Trump, aimed to flee to Ukraine while attempting to implicate Russia, according to an FBI affidavit unsealed on Friday.

 

Seventeen-year-old Nikita Casap was charged last month with first-degree murder after police discovered the bodies of his mother and stepfather, both fatally shot in the head, inside their home in Waukesha. Casap was later apprehended in Kansas with US$14,000 in cash, two passports, and the family dog. An unloaded revolver, boxes of ammunition, and two mobile phones were also recovered during the traffic stop.

 

“Casap appears to have written a manifesto calling for the assassination of the President of the United States. He was in touch with other parties about his plan to kill the President and overthrow the government of the United States,” read the FBI warrant.

 

According to the document, the alleged murder of his parents was a calculated move to secure funds and freedom for the attack. “The killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to obtain the financial means and autonomy necessary to carry out his plan,” it added.

 

The FBI further stated that Casap had attempted to purchase a rocket launcher from Ukraine and had already paid, at least partially, for a drone and explosives intended as a “weapon of mass destruction”.

 

Investigators said messages found on Casap’s mobile phone revealed discussions with an unidentified individual on the encrypted messaging app Telegram. On 21 January, Casap allegedly asked, “What country will be blamed for the crime?” The reply was, “Russia will be blamed for it; this is the goal.”

 

His phone also contained exchanges with a user connected to a Ukrainian phone number, believed to involve planning his escape post-attack. “How long will I need to hide before I will be moved to Ukraine? 1-2 months?” he asked. “So, while in Ukraine, I’ll be able to get a normal job and have a normal life? Even if when it’s found out I did it?” he added.

 

Casap is currently being held on a bail of US$1 million. In addition to the two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, he faces seven more felony charges, including identity theft and hiding a corpse. His next court appearance is scheduled for 7 May.